As far as mailing, I would check out been verified.

She could not find anyone to rent her a home because she was a stay at home Mom with no verifiable income/job (left job to move home). 

Purchase would be from the R.M. but you would need to verify the owner is no longer in residence (both parties).I would expect all RM's to be underwater and thus never expect any margin left for FMV sale even it you obtained title.

Hard to believe, but these two properties are identical in size and are probably only 6 blocks away from each other, so market value on them can change pretty drastically within a few blocks. 

Lessons learned:1)Fire a non performing PM early and often ... they NEVER get better.2)Don't buy out of state where you can't verify issues & solutions or easily take control to straighten out a mess if need be.3)Repeated visits for what seems like the same or similar issue are a red flag which should NOT be ignored.4)Use licensed, bonded electricians who pull permits.5)Trust but verify.6)Be careful about who even bids your jobs.

The best way to verify this is read up on the laws yourself and discuss with an attorney that knows the laws.

I have already had a survey of the land completed to verify that it is zoned for duplex development and have a vision for how I would like to develop the land. 

Still need to verify other details, but what I know is this:- Client has declared bankruptcy- Client has a Mechanics lien on house for 16k- Client owes bank 900k, and house (not yet verified thoroughly) is appraised at 550k- The appraisal is before client leaves house, which will have some further damage to it

I also like to call and verify their current employment.

OK I just called the state and was told that they are waiting for Jefferson County to verify  that  the property is a homestead .